Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Marine GPS Navigation System

By Alexis Kenne

Most boaters and mariners utilize the Marine GPS systems in their navigation because of its way of finding out their way back to the shore, especially if they are in unfamiliar spots at day or at night, or if they want to find large species of fish, or if they want to avoid debris along the way.

Marine GPS-History:

It has been just for a short while that marines utilize the help of star charting and latitude/longitude numbering in their navigation. Most of the needs for Marine GPS navigation were not met by such inaccurate system. Good thing the GPS came with its 12 to 24 operational satellites open for everyone. The satellite can send signals and give accurate latitude/longitude locations that can be useful for navigation and other direction locating purposes.

Marine GPS Navigation Systems-Purpose

The answer is simple, it is more accurate, less hassle than previous methods to find out where you are on the open sea or any body of water for that matter. Also, the most important reason is for safety. Not only can it keep you from getting lost, but you can chart ways around tropical storms at sea, or alternate routes, for whatever reason.

The Future of Marine GPS

The marine GPS systems continue to get more sophisticated, and come in hand-held models, all the way up to marine GPS navigation lap top computers. Depending on the functions you want, you can find a marine GPS that can do whatever you want it to, when it comes to navigation, topography in foreign water bodies, or take it hiking and camping with you, if it is a hand-held portable marine GPS. Some of the larger cruisers and yachts use it to auto-pilot a ship, and navigate back to port in the dark of night.

Marine GPS-Choosing and Buying One

There are many things to consider when choosing the right Marine GPS device. You should determine the reason why you would need one. Research for it carefully and check all the other functions available in the device which can be helpful for you in other ways aside from marine navigation. Consider also the necessary accessories and add-ons that you might need when you use the Marine GPS. There are affordable devices that you can buy for simple fishing or navigation purposes, but if you are planning for a more extensive navigation, choose the expensive one with more functionality.

Marine GPS navigation systems have gotten to be almost a requirement for all types of water navigation, and finding a marine GPS unit is easy at retailers, but especially online, where the choices are unlimited. As more manufacturers have gotten into the GPS systems, even cell phones are GPS capable now. Its all a matter of the number of functions you need for what you are going to be doing, when it comes to marine GPS navigation.

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